Unveiling the Word

In Biblical studies, understanding the nuances of specific Greek words is essential for grasping the deeper meanings embedded in the text. The word μῆκος (mēkos), which appears in Ephesians 3:18, is particularly significant because it is used to describe dimensions—specifically, length. This term helps convey the vastness of Christ’s love in the spiritual context, drawing attention to both physical and metaphorical dimensions. Understanding μῆκος allows for a richer interpretation of passages that use spatial language to describe abstract concepts like love, faith, or God’s power. Moreover, it gives insight into how ancient Greek culture measured and understood physical and metaphysical spaces.

Necessary Information

Greek Word:
μῆκος (mēkos), pronounced MAY-kos.

Etymology:
The root word μῆκος derives from the Proto-Indo-European root meg-, meaning “great” or “long.” It is related to words indicating size, such as mega (meaning large) and mekos (length). The idea of “greatness” is central to its meaning, whether that be in physical or metaphorical contexts.

Part of Speech:
μῆκος is a noun in the neuter gender. It is used to describe physical dimensions, specifically length. In grammatical terms, it follows a regular declension pattern typical of neuter nouns in ancient Greek.

The F.O.G Word Choice: Coming Soon.

Defining Meanings

Meaning 1: Length (Physical Dimension)
The primary meaning of μῆκος is physical length. This use is straightforward and typically appears in contexts related to measurements or descriptions of space. For example, in both classical Greek and New Testament writings, μῆκος is used to define physical spaces or dimensions of objects.

Meaning 2: Metaphorical Length (Vastness)
In Ephesians 3:18, μῆκος is used metaphorically to describe the vastness of Christ’s love. The word evokes a sense of immeasurable distance, representing both physical and spiritual dimensions. This figurative usage broadens the concept of length to include ideas such as depth and height, adding richness to the portrayal of God’s attributes.

Exploring Similar Words

πλάτος (platos), pronounced PLAH-tos: Refers to “width” and is often used alongside μῆκος in descriptions of spatial dimensions or metaphorical vastness, such as in Ephesians 3:18. It emphasizes horizontal expanse, whereas μῆκος focuses on vertical or linear dimensions.

ὕψος (hypsos), pronounced HOOP-sos: This word refers to “height” and is frequently paired with μῆκος to describe complete spatial dimensions. Together, they create a fuller picture of physical or metaphorical dimensions.

βάθος (bathos), pronounced BAH-thos: Refers to “depth” and, like μῆκος, is used both literally and metaphorically. The word often complements μῆκος in describing the multidimensional aspects of concepts like love or space.

Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a neuter noun, μῆκος follows a regular declension pattern. Its case, number, and gender are as follows:

• Nominative Singular: μῆκος
• Genitive Singular: μήκους
• Dative Singular: μήκει
• Accusative Singular: μῆκος

In the New Testament, μῆκος appears in the nominative and accusative cases when used in descriptions. In metaphorical uses, it maintains its form to emphasize vastness or length in a spiritual context.

Click here for a beginner’s guide to reading Greek.

Studying Lexicon Insights

Across major lexicons, μῆκος is consistently defined as “length” or “extent” and is noted for its usage in both literal and metaphorical contexts. In the New Testament, particularly in Ephesians 3:18, the word is imbued with theological significance as it describes the immeasurable love of Christ. This interpretation of μῆκος as vastness is in line with classical Greek usage, where it could also refer to great distances or expanses.

In classical Greek literature, μῆκος often described physical distances, while in Koine Greek, particularly in the New Testament, it took on more abstract meanings. This overview synthesizes insights from BDAG, Thayer’s, LSJ, Vine’s, Strong’s, LEH, and Moulton and Milligan.

Tracing Related Scriptures

Ephesians 3:18 – “That you may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length [μῆκος] and height and depth.” Here, μῆκος refers to the vastness of Christ’s love, metaphorically describing the immeasurable nature of His love.

Revelation 21:16 – “The city lies foursquare, its length [μῆκος] the same as its width.” This passage uses μῆκος to describe the physical dimensions of the New Jerusalem.

Analyzing Classical Usage

Noteworthy Summary

The Greek word μῆκος (mēkos) is significant in both its literal and metaphorical uses. In Ephesians 3:18, it emphasizes the vastness of Christ’s love, allowing believers to grasp the magnitude of divine grace. In classical Greek, μῆκος primarily referred to physical length or distance, but its New Testament usage enriches the theological understanding of spatial dimensions applied to spiritual concepts. As a word representing “length,” μῆκος serves as a powerful metaphor for the limitless nature of divine love.

Did You Know?

• In ancient Greek, μῆκος was commonly used in architectural contexts to describe the dimensions of buildings and structures.
• The metaphorical use of μῆκος in Ephesians 3:18 is a unique way the New Testament combines physical language with spiritual meaning, providing depth to theological concepts.
• The word μῆκος is part of a quartet of spatial terms in Ephesians 3:18—length, breadth, height, and depth—that together describe the full dimensions of God’s love.